Blues off Bodega

We encountered a few Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) during the pelagic trip on 15 October 2017.  These photos were taken ~20 miles off Bodega Head.

 

It's hard to get a sense of scale, but Blue Whale spouts can reach 10-12 meters (32-40 feet) in height! 

 

Two different individuals (above and below), showing differently shaped dorsal fins and different patterns of mottling:

 

The broad flukes rising out of the water as the whale dives: